Sajad Lone in J&K Assembly warns of existential threat, slams govt. on reservation, statehood
Srinagar, Feb 05; Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone on Thursday unleashed a sharp attack in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, warning that current policies on jobs and representation pose an "existential threat" to Kashmiri youth and could trigger a crisis "bigger than 1987."
In a hard-hitting speech during the discussion on the Lieutenant Governor's address, Lone called the government document "an unemotional, bureaucratic script" that ignores public suffering and the "historical disempowerment" of Kashmir.
"There is no mention of Article 370 abrogation, no mention of statehood, no mention of the thousands detained. Are we living in a fairy tale?" Lone asked, criticising what he called the "silencing of dissent" within the Assembly.
The PC president presented data to highlight "glaring disparities," stating that Kashmir with nearly 60 per cent population gets only 25-30 per cent government jobs. He warned the proposed reservation tweaks would only marginally benefit Kashmiri candidates on merit.
"This isn't just policy failure, it's a systematic exclusion. When you jail a youth under PSA, deny him police verification and then block his employment, where do you expect him to go?" Lone said, calling the situation "volatile."
In a direct challenge to the National Conference's political narrative, Lone listed its past alliances with the Centre — from the 1975 accord, the 1987 elections, Omar Abdullah serving as minister in the BJP-led NDA government in 1999, to the 2008 coalition with Congress.
"You can't claim victimhood after being in power with the Centre for decades. Who brought laws like PSA and POTA? Ninety per cent of those cases were in Kashmir," Lone said.
He also questioned the "selective constitutional morality" of the House, pointing out that while Puducherry passed statehood resolutions multiple times, J&K hasn't done so even once.
"The message is clear: stay silent. But if we can't speak here, where do we speak? On the stairs outside?" he asked.
Lone warned that the reservation issue could become the biggest flashpoint in J&K's recent history, with consequences graver than the disputed 1987 elections. He referred to cases against separatists-turned-mainstream leaders to argue that "persecution fuels alienation."
"Thousands are in limbo — facing PSAs, uncertain trials. This is a dangerous legacy," he cautioned.
The PC chief also hit out at what he called "dual narratives" of pro-India parties in J&K. "Ministers say no funds came for Jal Jeevan Mission for three years, but the CM says he has no issues with the PM. Who is speaking the truth to people?" he asked.
Lone further added to end "double-talk," urging leaders to speak the same truth in Delhi and Srinagar. "This politics of convenience has cost people dearly," he said. (KNS)
